As the Madison County Circuit Court resumed court operations with extra precautions in place on Monday, employees and members of the public were greeted with a mask-wearing statue of James Madison.
Madison, who is also called the Father of the Constitution, is the man whom Madison County was named after in September 1812. Madison was the nation’s fourth president, and was in office from March 1809 until March 1817.
Madison County Chief Judge William Mudge issued an administrative order on May 28 outlining the resumption of court operations for the Third Judicial Circuit, which includes Madison and Bond Counties.
The general procedures for reopening include:
- Lawyers and parties must arrive promptly for hearings and leave after the hearing ends.
- Lawyers and named parties only are allowed to attend hearings depending on the type of hearing, and subject to the assigned judge’s directive.
- Face coverings are required while in the courthouses, subject to possible exceptions for court personnel so they may carry out certain duties, and as directed by the judge of the respective courtroom.
- Social distancing must be maintained at all times within the courthouses.
- No one will be allowed to congregate inside or outside the courtrooms.
- Case management and status hearings should be conducted remotely, pursuant to divisional guidelines established by presiding judges, unless by leave of court.
- Avoid touching doorknobs, handrails, computers, copiers and other ‘high-touch’ areas. Access to some computers and copiers will not be available during this time.
- Capacity limits will be in place for each courtroom.